Another Totoro Tunnel Hidden Gem – A Breathtaking Single-Lane Path Full of Fantasy

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Ever since the Totoro Tunnel in Taichung sparked a nationwide trend of tunnel photo spots, another Totoro-themed cycling secret has been discovered by visitors in Pingtung. As part of Pingtung’s bicycle rainbow road network, a green tunnel section along the levee bike path in the Yanshuei segment of the Ailiao River resembles the hidden paths from the Japanese cartoon Totoro, with dense greenery lining both sides...

This Totoro secret spot was unexpectedly discovered by the county government’s tourism division during a local survey. Once the video was posted online, it sparked heated discussion among netizens, with some even visiting the site with their Totoro plush toys. The Yanshuei levee stretches about 10 kilometers from Nanhua Bridge to the sluice river dike. Aside from the Totoro tunnel, different seasons bring different kinds of scenic beauty.

In May, the flame trees bloom, dyeing the tunnel a stunning fiery red; in the revitalization segment, when the African tulip trees are in full bloom, it looks as if golden rain is falling; come autumn, the sweet flag grass along the riverbanks resembles a snowfall. No matter when you ride here, there’s always something new to enjoy.

The county’s bike paths use the seven colors of the rainbow as the color scheme for route signage. These include the red Bicycle National Route, the orange Cross-County Route System, the yellow Coastal Blue Ribbon System, the green Mountain-Ridge Green Corridor System, the blue Kaoping River & Donggang River Coastal Blue Ribbon System, the indigo Bicycle Railway System, and the purple Island-Circling Road Network System — connecting a total of 465 kilometers.

The Ailiao River Levee Bike Path is part of the Mountain-Ridge system. Starting from Sandimen Bridge, it passes through Neipu Township, Yanshuei Township, Liguang Township, and Jiuru Township. The path is flat and easy to ride, spanning approximately 24 kilometers. Aside from the Totoro secret spot, the Liguang segment of the levee, due to changes in the river’s course, allows cyclists to ride along the inner levee, which has now been developed into a beautiful riverside park. Further along is the Guojiang River Levee Park, featuring vast stretches of lush green lawns.